In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Arapahoe County will illuminate buildings green Nov. 7-13 as part of Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. 

‘Operation Green Light’ shines a light on the immense sacrifices our Veterans have made,” said Commissioner Bill Holen, a disabled Army Vietnam veteran himself. “We hope to see participation across the County, so our veterans know we appreciate their service and that we have their backs with supportive programs and services built specifically for them.” 

Arapahoe County has a dedicated Veteran Services office, which helps veterans and their dependents obtain the federal and state benefits they may be eligible to receive. Staff can assist with assessing need, determining eligibility and preparing claims and applications to the U.S. government. 

“Our Veteran Services Center is staffed by veterans for veterans,” said Holen. “There’s a camaraderie among service members and a built-in level of trust that helps us connect with clients in a personal and effective way.” Services at the Center are free of charge. 

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th -13th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. 

This new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. 

Visit arapahoegov.com/veterans for more information and links to resources available to veterans.